Chisinau – Facets of the City: Thomas Kellner at the National Museum of Art of Moldova

Chisinau. From October 15 to November 16, 2025, the National Museum of Art of Moldova will present the solo exhibition Facets of the City by German photographic artist Thomas Kellner.

The exhibition features the series Facets of the City – A Homage to August Sander, in which Kellner presents over 60 portrait photographs. These works are part of an ongoing project that began in 2023, in which the artist aims to photograph approximately 1% of the population of the German city of Siegen—around 1,056 individuals. The selection is based on demographic criteria such as gender, age, migration background, and educational level. The project seeks to create a documentary micro-census that reflects the social diversity of the city without staging or manipulation, referencing the photographic tradition of August Sander, who in the early 20th century created a landmark visual portrayal of society with his work Face of Our Time.

Just as diverse and multifaceted as the portrayed individuals are the intended viewers, who are invited to engage with various life realities, educational backgrounds, and social contexts. The portraits prompt viewers to adopt new perspectives and to reflect on questions of identity and belonging within an urban society. Rather than focusing on the individual alone, the project highlights a collective urban spirit—offering a snapshot of the social fabric shaped by those who contribute to city life through their professions, roles, and skills.

The central question behind the project is: What defines us as a society? Kellner gives this search for answers a visual form, creating a contemporary panorama of urban life. The clothing and surroundings of the portrayed subjects offer insight into their lives and personalities, allowing viewers to identify with them and grasp the complexity and diversity of urban realities.

With a clear photographic language that draws on the art-historical legacy of August Sander, Kellner situates his work in a broader cultural and social context. As in Sander’s work, Kellner’s portraits capture biography, group affiliation, the spirit of the times, and individual expressions through posture, gestures, and facial expressions. These portrayed life realities go beyond the local context and open the view toward global perspectives.

Facets of the City
October 15 to November 16
National Museum of Art of Moldova, Chisinau

National Museum of Art of Moldova
31 August 1989 St 115
Chisinau, Republic of Moldova

Opening hours
Tuesday to Sunday: 10am - 6pm

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